Dino Melaye Critiques Akpabio, Abbas on Tinubu's Powers

Dino Melaye, a former lawmaker from Kogi West, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas of allowing President Bola Tinubu to exercise executive power without sufficient legislative scrutiny. At a press conference in Abuja, Melaye stated that the Senate's role extends beyond merely passing bills and approving proposals; it must ensure the president operates within constitutional bounds.

He referenced the July 2024 amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, which allowed an Inspector-General of Police to remain in office until the end of their appointment tenure, bypassing standard retirement rules. Melaye expressed concern over the urgency with which this amendment was passed, questioning the level of scrutiny it received.

He noted that the amendment initially benefited former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, who had previously served as Tinubu's Chief Security Officer. Melaye concluded that while appointments alone do not imply wrongdoing, the legislature's independence is crucial.